Design Glossary: The Knole SofaRetrospect

The original Knole sofa, or settee, ca. 1610-1620
Sofas didn't exist before the 17th century. Seat furniture for more than one person was generally confined to benches, which would be pushed against t

The original Knole sofa, or settee, ca. 1610-1620

Sofas didn't exist before the 17th century. Seat furniture for more than one person was generally confined to benches, which would be pushed against the wall for back support and protection from cold. In the early 1600s, though, an upholstered settee was ordered for Knole, one of the great historic English houses, and became an important prototype for the sofa.